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Getting down to business with DoDo Case at our recent board meeting where we were graciously given DoDo Case VR glasses by Instructables. http://www.dodocase.com/products/google-cardboard-vr-goggle-toolkit for a build night! It was a fascinating way to experience virtual reality on your smartphone and you know what they say; all work and no play... We also created an Instructable in which one of our board members Ben Finio addresses the issues we though could be made better with the directions. Thank you Instructables team and DoDo Case VR for the great night and we look forward to many more!

Since the moment that truck pulled up with the pallet of Cheng Concrete on it, we've been having a ball with our Shapecrete! We know the August Build session has ended, and Eureka Factory members managed some fun build projects before the month was over, but we've still got Shapecrete and we're still creating with it! It's really interesting stuff, obviously a natural for Halloween decos (saw someone else had made some cool headstones!) and yard art. Love how adaptable it is and the ability to easily create small concrete objects with it. We've got a few more projects underway and will continue adding them to our Shapecrete Collection as long as there's Shapecrete in our buckets! Thanks, Instructables, for a really awesome build opportunity, and thanks Cheng Concrete, for a truly wonderful medium! If anyone is in Orlando September 12 & 13, be sure to stop by the Eureka Factory booth at Maker Faire Orlando, on the 2nd floor lobby of the Orlando Science Center, where the event is held, to see Gnombie and some of our Instructables projects!

I'm in a bit of a quandry here. I have a really fun project for the 'May 2015 Build Night with Raspberry Pi and Adafruit', but the thing is, I am having to pull on a variety of different resources and making discoveries as I go. Lots of these discoveries are valuable information I want to document to remember later. I *could* keep a private documented log, but where's the fun in that? I fancy using Hackaday.io for the in-situ build, then publish a nice polished Instructable once complete. To me, it seems the natural order of things, but I half-suspect I might be treading on someone's toes in the context of the Build Night. The big question here is: Should I log my progress on Hackaday.io? Yes...or No?

#BUILDNIGHT
30 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: February 27. Accepted spaces will be notified by March 2. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
APRIL BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with InstaMorph, a lightweight thermoplastic, for our April 2015 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
(13) 6oz InstaMorph moldable plastic pouches
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in April to host a project build night using the InstaMorph 6oz moldable plastic. You can host multiple build nights during April to work on your projects.
Post 3 Instructables: post 3 Instructables using the 6oz moldable plastic. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES:
InstaMorph Instructions
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #INSTAMORPH
Twitter: @Instructables, @InstaMorph
Instagram: @Instructables
https://www.facebook.com/InstaMorph
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this google form

#BUILDNIGHT
40 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: Friday, December 5. Accepted spaces will be notified by Monday, December 8. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
We are partnering with MakeyMakey, an invention kit that lets you connect to the world around you, for our January 2015 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
5 MakeyMakey Kits
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in January to host a project build night using the MakeyMakey kits. You can host multiple build nights during January to work on your projects.
Post 2 Instructables: post 2 step-by-step Instructables using the MakeyMakey kits. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES
MakeyMakey Project Gallery
MakeyMakey How-to
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #MAKEYMAKEY
Twitter: @Instructables,
Instagram: @Instructables
https://www.facebook.com/makeymakeykit
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this form

#BUILDNIGHT
20 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: Friday, February 6. Accepted spaces will be notified by Monday, February 9th. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
MARCH BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Brown Dog Gadgets, maker of DIY kits and products, for our March 2015 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
(4) 5W Folding USB Solar Cells
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in March to host a project build night using the Brown Dog Gadgets solar panel . You can host multiple build nights during March to work on your projects.
Post 2 Instructables: post 2 Instructables using the solar panels. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES:
iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #BROWNDOGGADGETS
Twitter: @Instructables, @BrownDogGadgets
Instagram: @Instructables
https://www.facebook.com/BrownDogGadgets
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this google form

#BUILDNIGHT
20 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: Friday, December 19. Accepted spaces will be notified by Monday, December 22. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
FEBRUARY BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Circuit Scribe, a rollerball pen that writes with conductive silver ink, for our February 2015 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
(1) Developer kit
(2) Basic Kits w/ Book
(1) 5x pack of pens
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Host a Build Night: pick a time in February to host a project build night using the Circuit Scribe . You can host multiple build nights during February to work on your projects.
Post 2 Instructables: post 2 Instructables and 1 123D Sketch using the Circuit Scribe kits. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES
123D Circuits
Circuit Scribe
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #CIRCUITSCRIBE
Twitter: @Instructables, @circuitsio
Instagram: @Instructables
https://www.facebook.com/circuitsio
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this form

#BUILDNIGHT
(official graphic will be updated below by EOD)
40 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: April 17th, 2015. Accepted spaces will be notified by April 20th, 2015. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
JUNE BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Silhouette, DIY kits and products, for our June 2015 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
(1) Silhouette Portrait
(1) Pack of Vellum
(37) .25 oz Elmers Probond Advanced Glue samples
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in June to host a project build night using the Silhouette Silhouette Portrait. You can host multiple build nights during June to work on your projects.
Post 3 Instructables: post 3 Instructables using the Silhouette Portrait. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES:
Silhouette Learn
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #SILHOUETTE
Twitter: @Instructables, @silhouetteam
Instagram: @Instructables, @silhouetteamerica
https://www.facebook.com/silhouetteamerica
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this form

#BUILDNIGHT
**You must be located in the United States to enter this event**
30 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: Friday, June 19th. Accepted spaces will be notified by Monday, June 22nd. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
AUGUST BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Cheng Concrete for our August 2015 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
(10) 20lb Buckets of Shapecrete
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in August to host a project build night using the Cheng Concrete Shapecrete. You can host multiple build nights during August to work on your projects.
Post 2 Instructables: post 2 Instructables using the Shapecrete. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES:
Cheng How-To Center
Shapecrete
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #Shapecrete
Twitter: @Instructables, @CHENGConcrete
Instagram: @Instructables
www.facebook.com/chengconcrete
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this form
**You must be located in the United States to enter this event**

#BUILDNIGHT
30 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: March 29th, 2015. Accepted spaces will be notified by March 30th, 2015. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
MAY BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Strawbees, they make connectors to build epic structures with recycled plastics, for our SECOND May 2015 build night. You heard that correct! We’re running two build nights this May. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
(1) Crazy Scientist Kit (includes 1034 connectors and 100 straws)
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in May to host a project build night using the Strawbees Crazy Scientist Kit. You can host multiple build nights during May to work on your projects.
Post 2 Instructables: post 2 Instructables using the Crazy Scientist Kit. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES:
Strawbees Resources
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #STRAWBEES
Twitter: @Instructables, @makestrawbees
Instagram: @Instructables, @Strawbees
https://www.facebook.com/strawbees
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this google form

#BUILDNIGHT
20 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: March 20, 2015. Accepted spaces will be notified by March 23, 2015. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
May BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Raspberry Pi and Adafruit, DIY kits and products, for our May 2015 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
(5) Raspberry Pis
(5) Power supplies
(5) microSD cards
(5) Adafruit Perma-Proto HAT for Pi Mini Kit
(2) Adafruit Pi T-Cobbler Plus Kits
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in May to host a project build night using the Raspberry Pi boards + Adafruit accessories. You can host multiple build nights during May to work on your projects.
Post 2 Instructables: post 2 Instructables using the boards + accessories. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES:
Raspberry Pi Resources
Adafruit Resources
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #RASPBERRYPI #ADAFRUIT
Twitter: @Instructables, @Raspberry_Pi, @adafruit
Instagram: @Instructables, @adafruit
https://www.facebook.com/adafruitindustries
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this google form

#BUILDNIGHT
25 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: June 12, 2015. Accepted spaces will be notified by June 15, 2015. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
AUGUST BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Freescale, DIY kits and products, for our August 2015 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following:
(2) FRDM-K64 Development Board
(2) Accelerometer/Gyro shield boards
(3) FRDM –KL25Z Development Board
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in August to host a project build night using the Freescale boards. You can host multiple build nights during August to work on your projects.
Post 2 Instructables: post 2 Instructables using the boards. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES:
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
FRDM-K64F: Segger debug driver tutorial, Toggling an RGB LED, Using a timer interrupt
FRDM-KL25Z: Projects & Examples, Blinking LED with Visual Studio
Accelerometer/Gyro Shield Boards: Hackaday collection of Freescale-inspired projects
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
#BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES #FREESCALE
Twitter: @Instructables, @freescale
Instagram: @Instructables
www.facebook.com/freescale
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this form

#BUILDNIGHT
20 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: Monday, November 10. Accepted spaces will be notified by Tuesday, November 11. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
DECEMBER BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Chibitronics, peel-and-stick electronics for crafting circuits, for our December 2014 build night. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes the following from the Chibitronics Shop:
1 Tray of LED Stickers (108 stickers total)
5 Sensors and Microcontroller sets
5 Effects sets
20 batteries
20 binder clips
10 rolls of copper tape
2 z-tape swatches, so stickers can be reusable
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Host a Build Night: pick a time in December to host a project build night using the Chibitronics materials. You can host multiple build nights during December to work on your projects.
Post 3 Instructables: post 3 Instructables using the Chibitronics Materials. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches. This forum post has guidelines for posting feature worthy projects. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per makerspace.
RESOURCES:
Chibitronics Tutorials
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
tag your posts with #BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES
Twitter: @Instructables, @chibitronics
Instagram: @Instructables
https://www.facebook.com/circuitstickers
https://www.facebook.com/instructables
SIGN UP: Fill out this form

#BUILDNIGHT
NOVEMBER BUILD NIGHT
We are partnering with Spark.io, who make a development kit for amazing connected products, for our November 2014 build night. Check out some of the amazing projects created with the Spark Core here. Sign up to participate in the build night and we will ship you a package that includes:
(10) Spark Cores
(10) Spark Buttons: a new shield for Spark with LEDs, 4-way clicking like a game controller, acceleration and temperature sensing. See photo of the new board below!
(2) Maker Kits
30 SPACES AVAILABLE
Deadline to sign up: Wednesday, October 8. Accepted spaces will be notified by Thursday, October 9. Read our FAQ to learn more about the Build Night program rules and how to make the most out of this event for your space.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Host a Build Night: pick a time in November to host a project build night using the Spark Cores and Spark Buttons. You can host multiple build nights during November to work on your projects.
Post 2 Instructables: post 2 Instructables using the Spark Cores and Spark Buttons. Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights.
Brownie Points (not required): after the build night post a forum topic on Instructables about your event. Include pictures, stories, etc... Here are two examples from past build nights: Noisebridge and Makers Local 256. We may even feature your photos on the homepage.
REWARDS: If your submitted Instructable for this event gets featured by one of our editors we will send you an Instructables Prize Pack which includes: Instructables t-shirt, stickers, and patches!! This forum post has guideline for posting a feature worthy project. Be sure to let people at your event know so they can win a prize pack! Limit 3 per space - first projects submitted with have priority.
RESOURCES
Spark Tinker App
Instructables App (for documentation during the build night): iOS and Android
JOIN US ON SOCIAL
Twitter: @Instructables, @spark_io
Instagram: @Instructables
Tag your posts: #BUILDNIGHT #INSTRUCTABLES
SIGN UP: Fill out this form

General Resources
What is the Build Night program?
Instructables sponsors monthly build nights at makerspaces and hackerspaces around the world. Each month we partner with a different company to send you materials and/or tools to run a workshop at your space. In return your space posts Instructables from your build night.
How can my makerspace get a group on Instructables?
Check out this forum post that list the guidelines for getting a group on Instructables.
Build Night Guidelines + Best Practices
What are the requirements for signing up?
Your makerspace must post at least 1 Instructable to sign up for a build night. We look at project quality when deciding on what spaces to accept. I suggest writing a feature worthy project. Check out the feature guidelines.
What does the process look like for signing up for an event?
Signing up is a 2-step process. You must complete both to fully sign up.
Fill out the google form at the bottom of the event announcement.
You will then receive a private message in your Instructables inbox by a specified date asking for your shipping information. You cannot receive the materials without completing this step.
What is the selection process for picking makerspaces to participate in each build night?
It is not first come first serve. We look at past build night participation, past project quality, and project proposals for the current build night. If you haven't participated in a build night OR haven't submitted Instructables for build night program we suggest your space create Instructables over the next few months and submit them on future applications.
Do build nights have to happen at night?
No! The only requirement is that you host 1 event with the materials provided during the month of the build night. This can be on a weekend, at night, during the day….literally anytime! You can also host multiple build nights during the month.
What happens if you don’t submit Instructables by the given date?
Not posting Instructables by the deadline will affect your chances of participating in future build nights. We keep very thorough records of who does and does not submit. It is VERY important to let me know if you are not able to submit a project by the deadline. I am much more understanding and willing to waive a missed deadline if I am given a reason.
What are the best practices for writing high-quality Instructables?
We want to see feature worthy projects! Check out this forum post with tips on how to create great tutorials.
As the event organizer the responsibility falls on me to post all Instructables. How do I motivate my community to help?
Check out this forum post with tips on how to motivate members of your community to get more involved.
How can we get more visibility for our build night event?
Use social media! Tweet at us. Mention us on Facebook. Share pictures of events on Instagram. Sponsors love it and will be excited to share your posts! So be sure to use #buildnight.
How can we hear about upcoming build night events?
If you are interested in being directly notified about future build nights fill out this form to join our mailing list. You will receive an e-mail when new events are announced. Please only sign up if you are not already on the mailing list.
Other Build Night Details
How many makerspaces participate in the build night program?
We have over 350 makerspaces, hackerspaces, fabrication labs, student groups, libraries, etc… subscribed to our mailing list. Each month we decide how many spaces will be able to participate. This depends on the sponsor and materials provided.
How many countries participate in build nights?
There are 45 countries represented in our makerspaces mailing list. Check them out:
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, S. Korea, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Zambia.
By what criteria does Instructables measure the worth and success of Build Nights?
There are 3 parties involved with every build night: Instructables, makerspaces, and the sponsors. When evaluating the success of a build night I try to consider everyones experience. For Instructables, we're mostly looking at the number of Instructables we get in and the quality (feature rate, topic, pictures, etc…). We also look at the number of new authors and community involvement. Makerspaces that are heavily involved on Instructables have their own group page.
The sponsors are looking for brand engagement and authentic examples of their products being used. Sugru was thrilled to see lots of people talking on Twitter and Facebook about their build night experience. Voltaic Systems wanted a lower number of high quality projects made with their solar panels -- so we only accepted 15 spaces and made the acceptance process more difficult.
Its not always easy to know the success level for the makerspace because I can't attend the events. From what I've gathered these are the goals of the makerspaces: connect with other makerspaces, learn new subjects, attract new members, free tools/materials, and create more opportunities for their members.
In general, how successful have the Build Nights been? (Answered from the Instructables perspective)
Most build nights have a 50-70% project return rate. The feature rate has been all over the board. The 2013 sugru feature rate was around 20% (we received 250 Instructables) and the Voltaic Systems feature rate was around 90% (we received 9 Instructables). The more build nights we run the higher I hope to get the project return rate because I'm excluding spaces that don't have a good posting record. In every event announcement I say "Not posting these Instructables will affect your chances to participate in future build nights" and I'm serious about it. I have a very detailed spreadsheet where I keep track of who has and has not posted. When it comes time to selecting spaces to participate I cross check my spreadsheet. That being said, every build night I give spaces a chance to explain why they weren’t able to post in the past. I completely understand life happens and I like to give out second chances!
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SUGGESTION BOX: Have questions to add to this FAQ? Have suggestions for ways to improve the build night program or new features to add? Submit them to our suggestion box.
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